CRISISa mental health

WARNING SIGNS of a Mental Health Crisis

� Inability to perform daily tasks like bathing, brushing teeth, brushing hair, changing clothes

� Rapid mood swings, increased energy level, inability to stay still, pacing; suddenly depressed, withdrawn; suddenly happy or calm after period of depression

� Increased agitation verbal threats, violent, out-of-control behavior, destroys property

� Abusive behavior to self and others, including substance use or self-harm (cutting)

� Isolation from school, work, family, friends� Loses touch with reality (psychosis),

unable to recognize family or friends, confused, strange ideas, thinks they’re someone they’re not, doesn’t understand what people are saying, hears voices, sees things that aren’t there

� Paranoia, suspicion and mistrust of people or their actions without evidence or justification

It’s important to know that warning signs are not always present when a mental health crisis is developing. Common actions that may be a clue that a mental health crisis is developing:

WARNING SIGNS of Suicide

♦ Giving away personal possessions ♦ Talking as if they’re saying goodbye or

going away forever ♦ Taking steps to tie up loose ends, like

organizing personal papers or paying o� debts♦ Making or changing a will ♦ Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon ♦ Preoccupation with death♦ Sudden cheerfulness or calm after a period of despondency

♦ Dramatic changes in personality, mood and/or behavior

♦ Increased drug or alcohol use♦ Saying things like “Nothing matters

anymore,” “You’ll be better o� without me,” or “Life isn’t worth living”

♦ Withdrawal from friends, family and normal activities

♦ Failed romantic relationship♦ Sense of utter hopelessness and

helplessness ♦ History of suicide attempts or other

self-harming behaviors♦ History of family/friend suicide or attempts